Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Chicken Chowder for Two
Bowls of creamy potato chicken soup on serving plates.

Chicken Chowder for Two

Creamy, hearty and comforting soup for two. Ready in under an hour!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Baked Apples and Squash
Diced squash and apple are baked with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Baked Apples and Squash

A savory vegetarian side dish that combines the flavors of fall.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup
Bowl of chicken noodle soup served with crackers.

Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup

Make your own noodles for this comforting soup.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Baked Berry Oatmeal
A piece of spiced baked oatmeal with juicy blackberries and raspberries is shown on a plate.

Baked Berry Oatmeal

Healthy baked oatmeal recipe with berries. A great make-ahead meal that kids love!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Roasted Zucchini
Platter of tender zucchini spears.

Roasted Zucchini

A simple recipe for roasting zucchini. Ready in 30 minutes or less!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Pomegranate Smoothie
glasses of Pomegranate Smoothie

Pomegranate Smoothie

This beautiful smoothie combines sparkling pomegranate seeds with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritious drink.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups